Nightlife in Amsterdam: Ultimate Guide To 12 Best Clubs & Bars in Amsterdam

Nightlife in Amsterdam can be summed up by these four words: clubbing, hip hop, jazz and booze. The city is so notorious for its nightlife that they even sell a 7-day Amsterdam Nightlife pass that allows people to enter several clubs for an entire week, all for €10. So what are you waiting for? Go slip on your dancing shoes, take your pick from our list of the city’s best clubs and bars, and dance the night away!

Why Amsterdam: Party capital of Europe

When to Visit Amsterdam: June, July & August

Last Call at Bars and Clubs : Night clubs are often open till 5am, and certain clubs are open 24hrs

Accommodation: Airbnb near Rembrandtplein or Leidseplein

De Marktkantine Club Amsterdam

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Though just two years old, De Marktkantine has already created a name of its own. With their varied and high-quality programming, Marktkantine is unlike the other clubs in Amsterdam that seem to be trying too hard.

Marktkantine gives off a laid-back vibe and is more relaxed about who can enter. The club was formerly a theatre, the remnants of which can still be seen in the balconies and booths. The club has recently started a new series of nights, curated by DJ and producer duo Red Axes.

Shelter Nightclub Amsterdam

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Among the newest additions to the nightlife in Amsterdam is Shelter, a club located unusually in the north side of the city. The club cheekily derives its name from the fact that it is located in the basement of the former Shell tower.

Partygoers have to enter the club via a hatch, through which they have to walk down to reach the underground space. The club is just a dark, concrete room equipped with a very good sound system. The best thing about Shelter is that the crowd here will follow your lead; it doesn’t matter if you play house or techno. On top of that, the club has a 24-hour permit, which means most parties usually end at dawn.

De School Club Amsterdam

This popular club that some say is the face of nightlife in Amsterdam also happens to house one of the best restaurants in town, alongside a bar and a gym. It also showcases great art that visitors can still view during club hours.

The place has two other spaces, Muzieklokaal and s105, where smaller nights and live shows take place. The club is known for its great creative energy and crisp sound and seems to get the balance between intimate atmosphere and spacious detachment right.

Studio 80 Nightclub Amsterdam

It would be blasphemous to mention nightlife in Amsterdam, without mentioning Studio 80. A haven for electronic music lovers, Studio 80 is known to be one of the most luxurious hangout hubs of nightlife in Amsterdam.

The building housing the club was originally the Dutch National Radio Station, but the place has since been turned into a classic underground bar fitted with a custom-built sound system and neon-lit exquisite décor.

Jimmy Woo Nightclub Amsterdam

If you’re looking to drink the best champagne in town and dance to the beats of fascinating music, then Jimmy Woo is your pick. Swanky is indeed the word for this uber-hip club located in Leidsedwarsstraat. The neon lights installed at the club seem to be single-handedly responsible for making the nightlife in Amsterdam eclectically beautiful.

An upscale crowd throngs every evening at this posh club, drawn in by its ritzy ambiance and classy Asian themed décor with fashionable black couches, and cozy cubicles. To sum up, Jimmy Woo is one of the best picks to drink.

Jantjes Verjaardag (Jantjes Birthday Amsterdam)

A popular student bar, Jantjes Verjaardag is the city’s largest and most cozy party café! It is situated in the heart of Amsterdam at the Rembrandtplein, in the Reguliersdwarsstraat. The night club is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and attracts around 2,500 visitors per weekend. The party begins at 10 pm and ends on Thursday at 4 am and on Friday and Saturday at 5 am. If you’d like to dance to the tune of famous DJs and drink till you drop, then head to this popular night club.

Image source: Puur Amsterdam

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 108-114, 1017 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands

WesterUnie Nightclub Amsterdam

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Located on the Westergasfabriek, this thriving club hosts techno, house and acid nights and festivals on a regular basis. This former gasworks has huge post-industrial halls that come in useful for bouncing back those pumping beats during techno and acid nights. The club is surrounded by a beautiful park as well as several cafés, bars and restaurants.

AIR Amsterdam

This house and dance club is located in Amsterdam’s city centre and is known for laying a special emphasis on sound quality and spectacle. Formerly the site of the legendary club iT, AIR now features a mind-boggling LED wall, an impressive VOID systems, and state-of-the-art lighting.

Madam Panorama Bar and Restaurant

Though we are talking about nightlife in Amsterdam, a lot of the city’s clubs like Shelter allow their parties to spill well into dawn. Madam, however, does things a little differently. Known as Amsterdam’s highest nightclub, this swanky restaurant, bar and club provides a panoramic view of Amsterdam’s skyline, and includes a rooftop observation deck with a giant swing.

During daytime, Madam forms part of the LOOKOUT experience at the iconic A’DAM Tower. But as soon as it goes dark outside, Madam turns into a trendy hangout spot for its chic clientele.

Escape

Escape is one of the oldest nightclubs in Amsterdam, with a massive dance floor that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Frequented by young crowd, each night has a different theme such as Brainwash, House Rules, etc. Famous DJs play here to give a memorable experience to visitors. Drinks here are reasonably priced, and smoking is allowed only in designated area. The service can be painfully slow, but don’t let that dishearten you. The staff is friendly, and the food is great.

There is a charge of EUR 10 to get in. Escape is open from 11:00pm to 04:30am between Sunday and Thursday, while it is open from 11:00pm to 05:00am on Friday and Saturday.

Address: 11 Rembrandtplein, 1017 CT Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Sugarfactory Club Amsterdam

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Sugarfactory is a multi-purpose venue, where clubbing, live music and theatre meet. Its main hall doubles as a theatre location, while a smaller venue in its former foyer serves as a stage for up-and-coming talent. Since it’s the perfect venue for both intimate and larger-scale live gigs, on most nights, the club stages rock bands or vibrant club nights, and also hosts local and international DJs.

If you are a party person, nightlife in Amsterdam is something you should experience for sure. Please share your views with us in the comments section below.